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Kite Runner: Chapter 5
Element

Notes

Plot summary

The chapter begins by describing the gunfire and explosions
which triggers decades of unrest in Afghanistan
...
Once the boys have recovered, they go to climb
their tree but get ambushed by Assef, Wali and Kamal
...
The boys
are insulted and threatened but Hassan defends them with his
slingshot and Assef backs off
...


Characters

Baba, Ali, Hassan, Assef, Wali, Kamal and Dr Kumar
...
​This is the
beginning of the end of peace, as well as Amir and Hassan’s
unbreakable bond and friendship
...

Irony is also prevalent as Amir laughs at Hassan and says
“you donkey
...
T
​ his is ironic as
Amir, later in the book, accuses Hassan of stealing and
Hassan and Ali must leave
...

The symbolism of Assef’s brass knuckles shows how it is easy
to come across - and conceal - weapons in Afghanistan
...

Assef is a cruel leader who enjoys causing maximum damage
with his ​“reputation for savagery” - h
​ e appears to have no limit
or emotional reaction
...

Assef’s mother is a German who is described as having
blonde hair and blue eyes
...
He appears to
mimic one of the Hitler Youth
...
A man with a vision
...
Assef is also
nicknamed ​“The Ear-Eater”,​ reinforcing his brutal attacks and
reputation
...
The fact that he is ​“flanked by his
obeying friends” ​presents them as almost like his animalistic
henchmen - although he is so strong-minded and individual
that he doesn’t really need them
...

Assef’s racist and (ironically) homophobic attitudes are
demonstrated by his creation of the insult ​“babalu” ​(used
against Ali) and ​“flat-nose” t​ o describe the facial features of
Hazaras like Hassan
...
Once again, this is reminiscent of Hitler’s facist
beliefs and his persecution of Jews
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Homophobia is also seen through the insult ​“kunis”,​ translating
to the offensive term ​“fag”
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​This shows Amir’s weakness as he remembers that
he never includes Hassan in games when Baba’s friends are
visiting
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Amir is also unable to stand up
against Assef, something which is repeated later in the book
...
This
reflects Hassan’s rape later on (which he bravely endures)
whilst once again Amir stands by and does nothing
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This shows how desperate Amir is for affirmation and affection
from his father
...
This personal present helps to

heal Baba too
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Because that was the winter that Hassan stopped
smiling” ​which hints at Hassan’s rape
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Context/cultural

A sociopath is a person who is described as having no moral
conscience - they often cause immoral or antisocial actions
...
Assef is an extreme
example of this
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This juxtaposes Hassan’s usual calm and polite
nature, turning him into the underdog who risks it all to beat his
opponent and protect his friend
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Assef’s obsession with Facism and dictatorships is also
reminiscent of the Taliban’s treatment of Afghans
...

Mard to mard​ = man to man
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Watan ​= homeland
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Tashakor​ = thank you
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Hazarajat​ = a name for the mountainous region of Afghanistan
than was inhabited by the Hazaras

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